Co. Springs animal rescue director accused of failing to get puppies medical care

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The director of New Hope Rescue in Colorado Springs charged with animal cruelty is accused of failing to get sick puppies timely medical care before adopting them to families.

Court affidavits obtained by 13 Investigates reveal two puppies Joann Roof adopted out died just days after their adoptions.

The animal control officers who wrote the report said he concluded there was enough evidence to suggest Roof allowed the puppies to suffer and neglected them before their deaths.

Roof told us on Monday she didn't know why she had been charged. Her attorney did not respond to our requests for comment Monday.

New Hope Rescue released this statement about the allegations against Roof on it's Facebook group on Tuesday:

"New Hope Rescue inc wants to thank our extended social media family for your recent online support. We assure to the lives of these animals are our #1 priority. Our incredible staff and volunteers are focused and committed to the well-being of the animals we rescue and helping them find forever families.Over the years we have saved the lives of over 10,000 animals, our mission is to be a bridge for unwanted and abused animals from here to forever. We take each and every one seriously and personally. Although, we cannot comment on the current case, we can assure you that our director is as committed to quality of life for these animals as she ever has been. To protect the animals we care for sometimes we have to say no. This can and does upset people. Our main concern and priority is the animals. We will continue to do what we do best, get un wanted animals into forever homes. The life long passion and commitment from our director hasn't changed. Thank you for your continued and loyal support."

Roof was originally charged with felony animal cruelty because of her previous animal cruelty conviction, but that original charge was dismissed because she served the terms of her sentence. During an appearance in court Wednesday, prosecutors consolidated all three felony charges into one misdemeanor case.

Animal Control tells KRDO they have an active ongoing investigation into New Hope Rescue.

This is a developing story.